Meet our Graduates is an occasional series profiling successful UOnline alumni.
Why did you choose the University of Miami and UOnline?
I had such an amazing learning experience during my undergraduate work in exceptional student education at UM that I decided to return to complete my doctorate degree. The onset of COVID-19 was the catalyst for making this dream come true, and UOnline was a godsend.
What did you enjoy most about the program?
Having the freedom to study at your leisure was a plus for me, and I'm sure for other working adults as well. I loved the structure of the class lectures, which were held once per week. I liked the peer discussions and responses, which were very interactive and provided a wealth of different opinions and points of view from colleagues. Forming such a close community of professionals from all walks of life has been a blessing. We will forever be known as the BCE, "Best Cohort Ever." I will continue to cherish the memories we made together.
I also enjoyed the opportunity to understand and explore how people learn and apply this knowledge in real-world situations. Since my ultimate goal was to use and apply the knowledge gained to the growth and expansion of the educational services offered in my business, I particularly enjoyed the research component, as it allowed me to investigate the impact of coding and robotics on student self-efficacy in programming, which is directly relevant to the curriculum offered at my tutoring and homeschooling company, Focus Learning Academy. It was extremely exciting to approach the program with a business growth mindset.
What was one of the biggest lessons you learned?
The biggest lesson I learned during my doctoral journey was the impact of applied knowledge. While understanding research is one thing, knowing how to strategically implement that knowledge in real-world situations is another. My studies reinforced that learning is most effective when it is intentional, adaptable, and experimental. The insights gained from the study of learning sciences, self-efficacy, and the impact of hands-on experiences have reshaped how I approach my business. Instead of just teaching skills and waiting for student outcomes, I now focus on designing learning experiences that build confidence, increase self-esteem, and promote peer interaction.
I also learned that personal, academic, and professional growth are continuous processes. Earning my doctorate was a major milestone, but it's just the beginning of applying these lessons to expand my company and increase my impact on students.
How have you used what you learned in your career?
One of the biggest takeaways from my research was understanding how hands-on, experiential learning, particularly in coding and robotics, can significantly impact self-efficacy in programming. I've applied these insights to my business programs and services, ensuring that students learn technical skills and develop confidence in their abilities throughout their learning experiences. I now approach learning and development from a more strategic, research-based perspective, which allows me to create more engaging and effective programs.
Beyond the educational aspect, my doctorate has also given me a stronger foundation in data analysis and assessment, helping me to measure the impact of my programs more effectively. This has been valuable for improving my services and demonstrating tangible results to clients, partners, and stakeholders.
Favorite class or experience?
My favorite and most memorable aspect of my doctorate program in the applied learning sciences program was conducting research on the impact of coding and robotics on student self-efficacy in programming. It was not just an academic exercise but rather an opportunity to explore a topic that is very closely related to the curriculum used in my business and indicative of my passion. It was amazing to see how hands-on learning experiences could build such confidence in students and reaffirm why I do what I do.
I especially enjoyed classes that focused on instructional design and learning assessment. Understanding how students learn, what motivates them, and how to create engaging research-based learning experiences has been directly applicable to my business. Beyond the classroom, my interactions with my colleagues and professors were enriching and enlightening. The diversity of backgrounds in our program allowed us to view the world through many different lenses.
Any advice for future UOnline students?
Time management is the key to success in the UOnline program. It was essential to keep abreast of all assignments and work continuously to avoid falling behind. Procrastinating and not staying on top of tasks and timelines added additional and unnecessary stress. This program has no room for procrastination, as it moves with alacrity.
Anything else you'd like to share about your experience with UOnline?
I want to thank my close family and friends for supporting me during this nearly three-year journey, especially my wonderful husband, Harry, for 53 delightful years of marriage and for tolerating me during sometimes stressful moments. I am most grateful to have accomplished this lofty goal at the "young" age of 72.
